In Syria, Russian-brokered talks aimed at forging a ceasefire between anti-government rebels and Syria’s government have broken down, as the regime presses an offensive aimed at retaking parts of southern Syria. After truce talks collapsed Wednesday, Syria and Russia intensified airstrikes around Daraa, and advancing troops captured the town of Tafas near the Jordanian border. The United Nations says more than 270,000 civilians have fled fighting in Syria’s south over the last two weeks, with over 200 civilians killed. Human rights groups have demanded that Israeli and Jordanian authorities open their borders with Syria to allow fleeing civilians to apply for asylum.